August 30, 2022

Linn County News

Published Aug. 31, 2022

Clara B. Swann Shaull, age 89, formerly of La Cygne, Kan., passed away Aug. 24, 2022, in Topeka with her daughters at her side. 

She was born April 19, 1933, near Wheeling, Mo., the daughter of Carl and Evelyn Cleo Anglen Swann. Clara spent her early years in rural Missouri and Kansas City. She attended Northeast High School until her senior year when the family moved to La Cygne where she graduated with the class of 1951. On April 28, 1951, she married Scotty Shaull in Eureka Springs, Ark. 

At age 19, while Scotty served in the Korean Conflict, Clara worked as a secretary in Kansas City and purchased the couple’s first piece of farmland. She was a true business partner in the Shaull’s farming operation that spanned more than six decades. In addition to her role in the family business, Clara worked several years at Miami County Hospital retiring in 1998.

Clara claimed Jesus as her Lord and Savior, honored His teachings, and spoke of His love and promises to others, especially her family. A devoted wife and mother, she considered family to be God’s precious gift and responsibility. She lovingly cared for her parents and sisters throughout their lives; and, most importantly, she cherished and nurtured her two daughters and their children. Clara set a family standard for having a strong work ethic, success in school, generosity, and delight in the simple things of life. She marveled at God’s creation, especially animals, and always had a special kitty to love and spoil. Cherished in return, her family will always remember her faith, love, devotion, wit, intelligence, passion for watching her favorite sports teams play, and (of course) her pies and rolls. 

 Her husband; parents; brothers Vincent, Billy, Ernest, and Paul Swann; and sisters Yvonne Walz and Maxine Ross preceded her in death. Clara is survived by daughters Karen Good (Richard) and Patti Jamison; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Elliott (Josie), Andria Zimmerman (Lance), John Scott Jamison and Laura Jamison; 12 great-grandchildren; eight nieces and nephews; and many friends in the La Cygne and Topeka communities. 

Arrangements under the direction of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home of Topeka, Kan. Visitation will take place Saturday, Aug. 27, at 9 a.m. at Northland Christian Church, 3102 NW Topeka Blvd., in Topeka, to be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at 10 a.m. Graveside services will follow at 3 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery, La Cygne, Kan. Memorial contributions are suggested to Northland Christian Church of Topeka.